The review, led by Professor Kam Bhui at the University of Oxford, looked at existing studies that examined the effects of both indoor and outdoor air pollution across the life course, from birth and pregnancy to adolescence and adulthood.
The researchers found that exposure to air pollutants may lead to depression, anxiety, psychosis, and perhaps even neurocognitive disorders, such as dementia. They also found that children and adolescents might be exposed to air pollution at critical stages in their mental development, making them at risk of the most severe impact and significant future mental health problems.
In addition to air pollution, the review also found that other risk factors for poor mental health include poor housing, overcrowding, poverty, a lack of green spaces, and individual social and psychological vulnerabilities, such as lack of access to support, carers, or safe spaces.
Professor Bhui said: “Air pollution and mental health are both major challenges that the world must grapple with now and for years to come. This makes this area of research a vital public health priority.”
He added: “Our review shows that there is emerging evidence of links between poor air quality and poor mental health, as well as links to specific mental disorders. In particular, polluting air particles, including bioaerosols, have been implicated.”
Professor Bhui said that more research is needed to understand the mechanisms by which air pollutants can affect mental health, and to develop better ways to measure exposure to pollution. He also called for more longitudinal studies to understand the effects of air pollution on children and young people as they grow.
The review is published in the British Journal of Psychiatry.
Key points:
- Poor air quality can have a significant impact on mental health.
- Children and adolescents may be at particular risk.
- Other risk factors for poor mental health include poor housing, overcrowding, poverty, a lack of green spaces, and individual social and psychological vulnerabilities.
- More research is needed to understand the mechanisms by which air pollutants can affect mental health.
- Better ways to measure exposure to pollution and understand how climate change affects air pollution are also needed.
- Longitudinal studies to understand the effects of air pollution on children and young people as they grow are also called for.